Mexico becomes first Latin American operator of Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

The Mexican Air Force has announced the acquisition of its first Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules, making Mexico the first country in Latin America to operate the C-130J. The purchase marks the first of two international C-130J contract awards finalized in 2025, with the second customer yet to be disclosed.
Image: Lockheed Martin.

The Mexican Air Force has announced the acquisition of its first Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules, making Mexico the first country in Latin America to operate the C-130J. The purchase marks the first of two international C-130J contract awards finalized in 2025, with the second customer yet to be disclosed.

 

By selecting the C-130J-30, the stretch version of the aircraft with 15 additional feet of cargo space, Mexico joins 24 other nations operating a global fleet of more than 560 C-130Js. A longtime Hercules operator, the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana is recapitalizing its legacy fleet based on five decades of proven C-130 performance and established interoperability.

The aircraft offers increased power, range, fuel efficiency, and space, enabling the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana to support a full range of tactical missions while leveraging existing experience in C-130 operations, maintenance, and logistics. This approach allows a seamless transition and faster modernization through continued access to Lockheed Martin’s global enterprise-wide support network.

 

 

“This historic decision by Mexico reflects the continued trust placed in the C-130J Super Hercules by operators around the world,” said Trish Pagan, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions. “With their new C-130J-30, the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana’s tactical airlift capability will deliver unmatched performance, exceptional reliability, and the versatility to perform all 20 missions the C-130J is certified to execute across Mexico, throughout Latin America, and worldwide.”

For more than 50 years, the C-130 Hercules has supported Mexico’s response to natural disasters, military operations, and other critical missions. Its continued operation underscores the strong partnership between Lockheed Martin and the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana amid renewed regional interest in multi-role airlift capabilities.

 

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